Fate's second chance

ged gently as he entered the room. "You've been here

I can't leave her like this. What i

s any change. But you need to take care of y

was right. She couldn't afford to brea

ol evening air hit her like a slap in the

d to her job at the nightclub, even though

f her colleagues appro

e you last night.

spital," Hannah rep

d, and I stay

better?" her c

onscious. But I need to work. I n

nside. As Hannah began her shift, the noise and chaos of the night

an expected. By the time it ended, dusk had fallen. He

store, his phone buzzed w

she g

. How are you?

ome to the memorial tod

erstand," Carolin

tomorrow,

g you," Alex said

his lips as he thought

the couch. He carefully placed the chocolates

d her sleep for a moment. A pa

etter," he

the weight of his promises. He

ived with a quiet warmth. The soft light danced across Alex's face, gently coaxing him awake. H

the edge of his bed. Her bright blue eyes sparkled with mi

eater!" she exclaimed, her voice a mi

eep. He rubbed his temples, trying to shake off

he asked, amusement tinging his voice as he

olate! And I know you're trying to cheat me out of it because I fe

leaving for the meeting. "Ah, I'm sorry, sweetie. I

still twinkled with determination. "You always get ca

ers. "Alright, alright. I'll get yo

ght smile. "Deal!" She leapt off

erday's sadness still lingering in the air. But with Barbara by his

hing for the chocolates he bought the night before. Barba

unced, producing a b

aling the assortment of creamy truffles and rich c

d, a smile playing on his lips. He called after her, "Make sure you br

rom the shower helped clear his mind, washing away the fatigue. Once dressed, he moved to the kitchen, determined to p

ere what truly mattered. Being present for Barbara, creating memories, and findin

uty of their quiet morning together. He had just started cooking, the sizzle of bacon and

ing it to reveal Caroline standing on the doorstep, he

o

invite me in?" she teased, h

with her easy banter. "Of course, come i

asked, raising an eyebrow. The kitchen was filled with the evidence of Alex's culinary efforts

ar nonchalant despite his pride in his cooking

pearance, her footsteps quiet on the stairs. Instead of joining them at the table, she silently grabbed her breakfast

en distant, but today it felt particularly pronounced. He knew Caroline noticed the tension

s she?" Caroline asked, her voice soft wi

though deep down, he wasn't sure. Barbara had been distant toward Caroline ever since her mother

at his phone, seeing the name of an old friend, Ryan, flash ac

infectious enthusiasm was pa

huge contract, millions in the bank! We're celebratin

wasn't in the mood for socializing, and he didn't want to le

een a tough week," Alex said, tr

e on, Alex! It'll be good for you to get out.